University (Chinese Department) (Hansard, 10 June 1953)

§ 33. Mr. Ian Winterbottom
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the head of the Chinese department of the University of Malaya has yet been appointed.

§ Mr. Lyttelton
The University of Malaya is an autonomous body. Appointments within it are governed by the Constitution and Statutes and made by the Council. I am, however, making inquiries about this matter and will write to the hon. Member about it.

§ Mr. Winterbottom
Is the Secretary of State not aware that the advertisement for the head of this department was made in 1951, and that as a result of the delay wealthy Chinese are coming forward with offers to create a Chinese University, which surely runs counter to our policy in Malaya?

§ Mr. Lyttelton
That goes rather beyond the hon. Gentleman's Question, which asks whether the head of the Chinese department has yet been appointed. As I say, the university is an autonomous body, and I am making inquiries about it.

§ Mr. Winterbottom
Is the Secretary of State aware of the results of this delay?

§ Mr. Lyttelton
That is a matter of speculation.